PH ready for major investments, global partnerships – Zobel

Business tycoon Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) expressed confidence in the Philippines’ investment potential, emphasizing that the country is primed for high-level partnerships and foreign capital inflows.

Speaking at the recent US-Philippines Society (USPS) board meeting, which he co-chairs, JAZA urged businesses to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines, citing its sustained economic growth and policy reforms that foster a competitive business environment.

“We in the Philippine business community remain hopeful at the country’s prospects for growth, which have not dimmed despite a volatile global environment,” he stated.

He projected that the Philippine economy could reach USD855 billion within the next decade, provided that foreign investment policies are further liberalized in key sectors such as retail, infrastructure, and strategic industries. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of incentives for high-value sectors like technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

"Consistent 6-percent growth is certainly a respectable achievement, but imagine what more can be achieved if we hit a continuous growth rate of 8 percent or more over a sustained period," JAZA said, stressing the importance of government-private sector alignment.

He also identified renewable energy, digital transformation, healthcare, and education as key growth drivers that could accelerate the country’s economic development—sectors where the Ayala Group has already made significant investments.

JAZA reaffirmed the country’s readiness to engage in deeper trade and investment ties, particularly with the United States, through the USPS, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Philippine-American economic relations.

With strong economic fundamentals and growing investor confidence, the Philippines continues to position itself as an attractive destination for global investments and strategic partnerships.